Vacuum cleaner

ABSTRACT

A vacuum cleaner having a suction path at least partially submerged in a container of water is subdivided into two parts. An upper part supports a suction motor assembly, and a lower part includes a container of water engaged perimetrically by hooking means to the upper part, and a tubular jacket inside the container partially immersed in the water, so that an annular interspace is formed between respective side facing walls. The interspace forms a siphon to allow suction motor means to draw air and/or liquid from the outside. Also included is a perforated separating diaphragm submerged in the water, and a first removable funnel shaped deflector means placed in an almost suspended position inside the tubular jacket above the water level.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention has as object a vacuum cleaner of the type with suctionpath at least partially submerged in a container of water.

This invention can be used as a domestic vacuum cleaner for thoroughcleaning of rooms and also as an industrial vacuum cleaner.

BACKGROUND ART

Vacuum cleaners, are already known in prior art. The traditional ones,are essentially made up of a body, supported by feet or pivoting wheels,inside of which an engine group is provided, which sucks the externalair with the dirt to be filtered and put back into circulation. Suchequipment, sucking the air through a tube, which is gripped by the user,generally allows, according to necessity, the cleaning of dust fromcarpets, mats, moquette, and similar surfaces, but even more recentlythe actual floor. The air sucked in this way firstly passes at least onefilter, which is generally made up from the same dust-collecting bag, tothen, once filtered, be reintroduced, as we have seen, into thesurrounding environment. Generally, the filter-bag is made of aparticular type of closely-woven material, allowing in this way thecirculation of the sucked air, but keeping on the inside only themacrodust and the larger type of dirt.

In the above mentioned solution various drawbacks are noticeable.Firstly amongst these, is the fact that a thorough cleaning of thesurface being treated is not possible, but also the fact that aninnumerable amount of microdust is reintroduced, which once sucked andremoved cannot be held by the traditional filter-bags. Amongst otherthings, there is the common opinion that the microdust also foundbetween domestic walls is the cause of innumerable allergies verifiablein individuals who frequently complain of annoying symptoms.

A recent solution, consisted in providing in a combined form with atraditional vacuum cleaner, the use of a device also able to wash thesurfaces at the same time. More in particular, said equipment alwaysconsists of a movable body to which a suction engine group isassociated, but on the inside of which a tank is obtained that containswater to distribute on the surfaces to be treated. The air, togetherwith the water previously dispersed by a delivery device applied ontothe tube, is subsequently sucked and in this way introduced inside saidtank. Here, a kind of right-angled fan placed in correspondence to thesucked air's exit hole, rotating, creates an area of depression thatobstructs the reintroduction of the dust agitating at the same time boththe water and the air. In this way a precipitation of water and dust isobtained thanks to its catalytic effect, discharging into thesurrounding environment only the sucked air partially purified of suchresidues.

However, also in this case there are noticeable drawbacks. These consistfirstly in the fact that the aforesaid equipment cannot operateexclusively as a vacuum cleaner. Secondly, as the surfaces are treatedwith liquids they remain somewhat damp, even if for a short period oftime, which limits the utility and field of the application. Third butnot last aspect, the equipment results somewhat complicated and does notallow to further optimize the filtering function of the sucked air.

In the Italian Patent Application N° TV91A000117, an equipmentparticularly vacuum cleaner and relative filter is described, in which abody is provided for the support of a suction group, and a container,inside of which, in contact with a quantity of water previouslyintroduced and in proximity to the suction mouth, a filter is engaged,said filter being obtained by the processing of vegetal and/or animalfibers. Also state of the art, is the Italian Patent Application forindustrial invention N° TV92A000005, consisting in an improvement ofsaid patent, in which, on the inside of the container the following isprovided:

a first filter, being made up of a means of distribution of the air atleast partially submerged in an amount of water contained in theunderlying basin, said means being directly connected to the suctioncollector of the air externally extracted;

a second filter, being engaged on the upper part and in proximity tosaid means of distribution of the sucked air, said filter being obtainedby the processing of vegetal and/or animal fibers;

water previously introduced in the underlying containing basin, whichsubmerges, at least partially, said distribution means.

One of the aims of the present invention is also to avoid some drawbacksnoticeable in the use of the preceding apparatuses. More in particular,it has been observed that the greatest concentration of problems is inthe filter feature, which, other than not being easily accessible, clogfrequently requiring a constant maintenance for requiring the resettingat the end of each use. Consequently, during the cleaning proceduresthere is a progressive and substantial reduction of the filteringperformance with a loss of the benefits for which a certain type ofequipment is chosen, but above all even the more traditional cleaning ismade inefficient. Another drawback is given in that it is not suitablefor the collection of liquids possibly dispersed, limiting itselfpredominantly to sucking just the air with the dust in general. In fact,the increase of the liquid level inside the container could interferewith the good working of the motor, which in such a way could besubjected to possible damages and make it extremely dangerous.

More recently, the same applicant, provided an improved vacuum cleanerequipment of the type essentially subdivided into two parts,respectively; a first upper part that comprises the support body of asucking motor group placed in an opening coated with sound absorbentmaterial and sunk into a first filter placed annularly, and a lower partconsisting in:

a container of water, essentially conical, engaged perimetrically byhooking means, to said body;

a cylindrical element without ends inside said container held along theedge and partially immersed in the water, obtaining between the facingwalls, perpendicular to the bottom, an annular interspace, constitutinga siphon, as forced path of air and/or of the liquid sucked from theoutside by extraction means;

at least one dirt separator disc being holed, at the base of thecylindrical element and submerged in the water provided in thecontainer;

and one or more filters not in contact with the water also ofdifferentiated density, where one is held by the cylindrical element,defining an intermediate air bearing.

In the solution just described, the drawbacks observed can be summarizedin the excessive complexity of the structure, which derives from thepresence of innumerable filters inside the separation container, thatabove all would decrease the sucking efficacy. Additionally,notwithstanding the presence of more than one intermediate filter, thedrips of water would all the same tend to move up the container untilimpregnating the filters above, and dangerously the area of the electricsuction group. Consequently, a constant maintenance is required,undertaken regularly both in respect of said filters, drying themcarefully, as well as with reference to periodical controls of the motoropening.

Another even more recent solution, has provided the replacement of theintermediate discs with filter function for the separation of the airfrom the mixture of water and sucked dust, with a removable deflectormeans. Said deflector is placed in an almost suspended position, abovethe basin containing the water to be shaken (air washing) and having acircular and funnel shape, supported perimetrically by the cylindricalelement inside said container of water. The simplification has thereforeonly affected the lower part of the vacuum cleaner, leaving unalteredthe upper part in which the presence of a sponge filter is provided,immediately above said deflector, and below the filter of the rotor. Thedrawback of this solution is due to the presence of the sponge filter,which above all in the presence of an excessive amount of water, tendsto allow the movement of the water particles towards the top withoutstoping them. The drops, therefore, after having impregnated the spongefilter, still tend to go towards the rotor, impregnating the relativeand subsequent filter or -only filter-. The consequences are obvious.Firstly the emission of unpleasant odours, and therefore the necessityof constant maintenance of the first filter, which must be washed wellwith suitable detergents. Secondly a certain degree of danger, due tothe fact that the water moved in this way could also come into contactwith some electric parts with inevitable problems.

This and other aims are reached with the present invention as claimed,by means of a vacuum cleaner of the type with suction path at leastpartially submerged in a container of water, said vacuum cleaner beingessentially subdivided into two parts, respectively; an upper part thatsupports a suction motor means and a lower part consisting of:

said container of water which is engaged perimetrically by hookingmeans, to said upper part;

a tubular jacket inside said container partially immersed in the water,realizing between the respective side facing walls, an annularinterspace, that forms a siphon, to allow the passage of sucked airand/or liquid from the outside by said suction motor means;

at least one perforated separating diaphragm for large dirt, on the baseof said tubular jacket, submerged in the water;

a first removable funnel-shaped deflector means, placed in an almostsuspended position inside said tubular jacket and above the water level,supported perimetrically by said tubular jacket, characterised in that asecond deflector, having the shape of an upside down funnel if comparedto the first, is placed above the first, said second deflector beingassociated to a microfilter engaged in correspondence to a suction inletof said suction motor means.

In such a way, through the notable creative contribution the effect ofwhich realizes an immediate technical progress, various advantages areachieved. Firstly a more careful separation of the air to bereintroduced into the environment, avoiding the use of sponge filterswhich, as seen, emit bad odours and require constant maintanance.Secondly, radically stopping the particles of water that tend to moveupwards, protecting the micro-filter and the sucking-motor equipment.Third, but not last advantage, a considerable simplicity in manufactureand therefore of assembly, so that intervention for normal maintenanceis easy.

Advantageously, to said first and second deflectors, a third deflector,having a conical shape, placed coaxially and overturned if compared tosaid first deflector, is placed inside the first and extending below thelower edge of the first, said third deflector having a bell shape.

In this way there is a better performance in the suctioned air working,avoiding water suction, because the bubbling water during suction iscaptured by said third deflector obliging it to refall downwards.

Said third deflector is supported by an axial vertical stanchion engagedto an upper axial clutch to support said second deflector.

In this way a very simple removable construction is made for cleaningand maintenance.

These and other advantages will appear from the subsequent descriptionof preferential solutions with the help of enclosed drawings, executionparticular of which are not to be considered limitative but onlyillustrative.

FIG. 1, represents a plane view of a second deflector device introducedinside of a vacuum cleaner equipment.

FIG. 2, represents a section view of the deflector of the precedingfigure, taken along the cross axis A--A.

FIG. 3, represents a perspective view of the deflector, whichincorporates the microfilter of the rotor.

FIG. 4, represents in axial section and partial view, the internal partof a vacuum cleaner, with a second deflector device.

FIG. 4A, represents in axial section and partial view, the internal partof a vacuum cleaner, with a third deflector device

As per the figures, it is disclosed that a vacuum cleaner (A), is formedessentially of two parts, respectively a first upper part (1a) thatsupports the suction motor means (SM), and a second lower part (1),containing water (L), inside of which at least one microfilter (7) isprovided for cleaning the air sucked by said suction motor means (SM),using a flexible tube (12). In more detail the suction motor means (SM)of the known type, creates a depression, conveying the air and/or thewater mixed with the dust inside the lower part of water container (1).On the inside of said water container (1) there is a removable tubularjacket (3), the walls of which (3') are maintained a certain distancefrom those opposite (1') of said water container (1). Therefore, anannular interspace (2) is obtained, inside of which, the suckedair/water flows and is subsequently sucked towards the bottom of saidwater container (1), partially filled with water (L), the lower edge ofsaid tubular jacket (3) being immersed in said water (L), realizing asiphon. As a result of the depression obtained inside the chamber ofsaid first upper part (1a), the air/water sucked from the exterior,surpasses the siphon and proceeds upwards, the suspended water beingseparated from the air by said deflectors, and then re-introduced intocirculation. During the path, the air passing in the water siphoncontributes to the shaking of the water (bubbling), submitting the airto washing and cleaning, the dirt is separated, precipitating bit bybit, in a continuous up and down action, depositing on the bottom.

With the aim of preventing the upward movement of the water in thevacuum cleaner (A), both because of the suction as well as the shaking,a first suspended deflector device (4) is provided, this being supportedby a pronounced border (4'--5) made on the internal perimeter of saidremovable tubular jacket (3).

More in detail, said first deflector (4), either metallic or plastic,has a funnel shape, which allows better performance in separating thewater from the air in connection with the internal walls (3') of thetubular jacket (3), while the reduction of the hole at the end of thefunnel of the first deflector (4), allows a uniform distribution of theair flow directed towards the top. Additionally, perimetrically to saidfirst deflector (4), a seal may be associated, allowing the latter toadhere perfectly to the support wall of said removable tubular jacket(3).

As per this invention, a second deflector (6), is placed above saidfirst deflector (4), and has an analogous funnel/bell shape. More indetail, said second deflector (6) is overturned if compared to the firstone in order to offer in a downwards direction, the part having a largerlower diameter (6'), while, the upper part narrowing, connects themicrofilter (7) in a ring fashion on the suction mouth of the motorsuction means (SM). The microfilter (7), also known as the -absolute-type filter, may be received along the support base of the motor groupcoplanarly joined, being held by the same fins that compress it alongthe side, or engaged by screw means. In this case the fixing of saidsecond deflector (6) may be made subsequently by means which allow toengage the neck (6") of said second deflector (6) perimetrically to saidmicrofilter (7), said neck being as high as the microfilter (7). In asecond hypothesis, the microfilter (7) may be provided alreadyintegrated in the neck (6") of said second deflector (6) to allow aquicker and easier removal when maintenance is required. Finally, in abetter solution, said second deflector (6), has the diameter of thelower border (6') greater than the opening (smaller diameter) made onthe lower border of said first suspended deflector (4), while the upperdiameter of the upper opening (neck 6") is lower in respect to saidlower border of said first suspended deflector (4).

In the better solution there is a third deflector (8), having a 12 bellshape (upside down funnel shape), placed coaxially and overturned ifcompared to said first deflector (4), being supported by a coaxialvertical stanchion (9) engaged to a coaxial male vertical clutch.

More in detail, this second solution regards a third conical deflectoressentially bell shaped (8), the base diameter (8') mostly correspondsto the diameter of the lower opening of said first deflector (4). Theheight of said third deflector (8), partially enters said firstdeflector (4), protracting itself along the same and leaving an abundantperimetrical interspace for outflow towards the top of the sucked air.Said stanchion (9) being tubular, is integral with the third belldeflector (8), this stanchion (9) extends downwards beyond therespective lower border of the third bell deflector (8), obtaining inthis way the spacing of the third deflector, from the bottom. Above thethird bell deflector (8) an axial male clutch (10) is provided, able tobe introduced coaxially to the inside of an analogous axial downwardsfemale bush extension (11) of said second bell deflector (6). In thisway a simultaneous support of both second and third deflectors isallowed. In FIG. 4A a perforated diaphragm (SD) to separate thedeposited larger dirt in the water (L), is disclosed.

I claim:
 1. A vacuum cleaner having a suction path at least partiallysubmerged in a water container, comprising:an upper part supporting asuction motor means; and a lower part including the water containerengaged perimetrically by fastening means to the upper part, the lowerpart further comprising:a tubular jacket disposed within the watercontainer and partially immersed in water, cooperating with the watercontainer to define an annular interspace adapted to allow passage ofair and/or water drawn by the suction motor means; at least oneperforated separating diaphragm disposed in the water, adjacent a baseof the tubular jacket, adapted to capture large parties of direct; afirst removable funnel shaped deflector having a lower opening disposedinside the tubular jacket, supported perimetrically in suspension abovethe water by the tubular jacket; a second funnel shaped deflector havingan upper opening, inverted relative to the first funnel shapeddeflector, disposed above the first funnel shaped deflector, andengaging a suction inlet of the suction motor means; a third bell shapeddeflector having a lower opening and disposed below and partiallyaxially within the first deflector, wherein the diameter of the loweropening of said third bell shaped deflector substantially corresponds tothe lower opening of said first deflector, said third bell deflectorincluding a tubular stanchion integral therewith and extendingvertically downwards beyond a lower boundary of the third bell deflectorto abut the perforated separating diaphragm; and a micro filter attachedto the second funnel shaped deflector and connected to the suction inletof the suction motor means.
 2. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1,wherein the diameter of a lower opening of said second funnel shapeddeflector is greater than the diameter of a lower opening of said firstsuspended funnel shaped deflector and the diameter of the upper openingof said second deflector is smaller than the diameter of the loweropening of said first suspended funnel shaped deflector.
 3. A vacuumcleaner according to claim 1, wherein a top portion of said thirddeflector partially enters said first funnel shaped deflector, formingan annular interspace for outflow of the drawn air towards the suctionmotor means.
 4. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein saidstanchion extends above the third bell deflector and further comprisesan axial male fitting for fastening to a corresponding female fittingextending from said second bell deflector.